The unavoidable joy that football ignites in the youths and fans was visible in Buea, Limbe and Tiko. Pitch hostilities opened in Limbe Omnisports Stadium at 2 pm on 12 January, 2022, to mark Day one of the competition in Pool F. The populations of Buea and Limbe exhibited much enthusiasm for the competition with many groups invading street corners to cheer the teams as they commuted to the Limbe football temple.
Even more, the fan zones of Tiko, Buea and Limbe were pretty alive watching the matches on the giant screens. Chanting, trumpeting and joyous shouts were heard across the cities to announce the event. Governor Bernard Okalia was at the Limbe Omnisports stadium with CAF President Patrice Motsepe flanked by various authorities to watch matches. Hardly could those who crafted the game of football in England initially fathom its unifying dimension.
During matches, the inner-bowl of Limbe Omnisports Stadium boiled to high degrees, with spectators cheering good football produced by young people from the various countries. From Limbe to Buea passing through Mutengene or branching to Tiko, the atmosphere was that of fanfare. Limbe harvested the fruits of AFCON by way of businesses, tourism, and new friendships with visitors. Hotels adjusted their meals to suit circumstantial prices and tastes. Transporters and petit traders had their share of business. Either benefitting from the joy of football or selling for football, all was about feasting and turn-over.
